Blog

Unpredictable Fires

Written by: Alan Baker14th June, 2017

Fires are unpredictable things, and the recent fire at Grenfell Tower shows how even the experts can be caught out. Basically, fires burn upwards since the heat they generate causes the air above the fire to expand, lowering its density and therefore floating upwards like a helium balloon. Fresh air is then drawn in at the…

Forensick Science Part 2

Written by: Alan Baker15th May, 2017

The recent forensic scandal involving blood drug testing http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39860639 and Jerry Hayes blog http://jerryhayes.co.uk/ regarding DNA testing of a gun has once again highlighted the perilous state of forensic science provision in the UK. An associate of mine who worked for the Forensic Science Service, which closed in 2012, predicted that there would be a…

The evolving world of NPS’s – A success for Bericon

Written by: Alan Baker9th May, 2017

New (or novel) Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) also known as “designer drugs”, “herbal highs”, “research chemicals” and “legal highs” comprise an ever-increasing number of chemical, pharmaceutical and herbal drugs often advertised as “legal” and “safer” alternatives to internationally controlled drugs. NPSs may share with these latter illicit substances common ways of consumption…

Defending a Drug Driving case?

Written by: Alan Baker9th May, 2017

Driving under the influence of drugs, either illicit or prescription, has been an offence for many years but before March 2015, the Crown had to establish that the individual was impaired to drive. Historically about 40% of proceedings in Magistrates Courts for drug driving were withdrawn or dismissed. The comparable figure for drink driving was…

Shopping bag or exhibit bag?

Written by: Alan Baker20th March, 2017

It’s often said that the quality of any forensic work is only as good as the quality of what’s happened before an item gets to the laboratory. In the not-too-distant past, when items such as clothing or footwear were seized from an individual, the exhibit bags would remain sealed until the items arrived at the…